Mankato Power Shortage About To Change

(Mankato, MN)—The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of freshman outfielder Tony Gonzalez, of the University of New Orleans.

Gonzalez, (6’5” 225 lbs.) originally from Stanton Calif., has exploded onto the college scene for the UNO Privateers and head coach, former Minnesota Twins Star Randy Bush. In his first collegiate game, Gonzalez tied a school record with 3 homeruns. He had 4 hits and 7 RBI on the day.

"After seeing what he did in his first game, we knew we were getting the next Roy Hobbs,” said MoonDogs head coach Brad Rupert.

He has started all 9 games for the Privateers this year, has 2 doubles, 4 homeruns and leads the team in RBI and slugging. Other teams are beginning to respect the power this freshman has, as Gonzalez has drawn the only intentional walk for the Privateers this season.

"He’s a hard-worker and just a great kid,” said Bush, followed by "he knows where he wants to go and what he needs to do to get there.”

Gonzalez comes from a tradition of outstanding players from New Orleans who have made their presence in the Northwoods League and college baseball known. Three of the St. Cloud River Bats—pitchers Thomas Diamond, J.P. Martinez, and outfielder Joe Pietro– were all enormous assets to the River Bats in 2003 as all three were selected as post season all stars, and both Diamond and Pietro are listed in the top 100 college prospects for the 2004 Major League draft, according to Baseball America.

The signing of Gonzalez raises the total to nine players who have committed to the 2004 season with the MoonDogs, with more expected each week. Make sure to check the web site www.mankatomoondogs.com for updates and for all your MoonDogs needs.

Get your season tickets now and never have to miss a single inning of baseball the way it was meant to be—outside with wood bats and a love of the game.